Start your search!

Overview of the Dutch Recruitment market in 2025!

Overview of Recruitment Trends in Amsterdam and the Dutch Market 

Permanent People are ideally located in Amsterdam to give a current overview of the Dutch recruitment market in 2025, being the major Rec2Rec on the ground there!

As of mid-2025, the recruitment landscape in Amsterdam and the wider Dutch market is undergoing significant transformation, shaped by a combination of technological advances, shifting talent expectations, regulatory developments, and evolving economic conditions. This overview outlines the key current trends and highlights what recruitment professionals should anticipate moving forward.

Current Trends (2025)

Talent Scarcity & Skills Mismatch
Despite a cooling economy earlier in the decade, talent shortages persist, particularly in:

  • Tech & AI development
  • Green energy and sustainability
  • Healthcare and life sciences
  • Skilled trades and logistics

Dutch employers face challenges not from a lack of applicants, but from a lack of qualified candidates with the necessary up-to-date skills. This has led to a growing emphasis on reskilling and upskilling initiatives, often in partnership with local training providers and universities.

Rise of AI-Enhanced Recruitment
AI tools have become deeply embedded in the hiring process, from:

  • Automated candidate sourcing and CV screening
  • Predictive analytics for talent retention
  • Chatbots and AI-driven assessments during early screening

However, Dutch regulators and trade unions are closely watching for potential bias and lack of transparency. Recruiters are being urged to balance automation with human oversight to comply with ethical standards and EU AI regulations.

Flexibility & Remote Work Still Key
Hybrid work remains a default expectation, especially in Amsterdam’s tech, creative, and consulting sectors. Candidates often demand:

  • Flexible hours
  • Remote-first contracts
  • Four-day work weeks (gaining traction in pilot programs)

Companies that resist these expectations are struggling with attraction and retention, especially among younger talent and international professionals.

DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) Becoming More Strategic
Diversity hiring is no longer a “nice to have” but a business imperative. Amsterdam, as an international hub, sees strong demand for:

  • Multilingual, multicultural hiring
  • Bias-aware sourcing strategies
  • Inclusive onboarding experiences

Dutch corporates are being measured on ESG and DEI performance by investors, further institutionalising these priorities.

Increased Role of Employer Branding & Candidate Experience
Candidates in 2025 expect high-touch, personalised recruitment journeys. Even passive candidates are influenced by:

  • Company values (especially on sustainability and social impact)
  • Transparent pay practices
  • Online reputation (Glassdoor, LinkedIn, etc.)

Recruiters are increasingly acting as marketers, building engaging narratives around company culture and growth opportunities.

What to Watch: Future Developments

EU & Dutch Regulation on AI and Hiring Practices
The EU AI Act and local legislation around data privacy and algorithmic transparency will tighten in 2026. Recruiters must prepare for:

  • Clear documentation of how AI is used in hiring
  • Risk assessments of automated tools
  • Human-in-the-loop requirements for final decisions

Migration Policy Shifts
While the Netherlands remains attractive to global talent, increasing political scrutiny on migration and labour market access may:

  • Tighten rules for non-EU hiring
  • Prioritize in-demand skill sectors
  • Encourage more intra-EU recruitment
  • Recruitment agencies will need to stay agile in navigating visa pathways and compliance.

Internal Mobility and “Talent Recycling”
Employers are investing in internal marketplaces to retain and redeploy talent. Expect further investment in:

  • AI-powered internal job matching
  • Learning and development tied to succession planning
  • Recruitment teams working closely with HR and L&D

Green Jobs & ESG-Aligned Recruitment
With the Netherlands committed to ambitious climate targets, demand for “green collar” professionals will surge. This includes:

  • Renewable energy engineers
  • Circular economy strategists
  • Sustainability compliance experts
  • Agencies that specialize in ESG-aligned recruitment will be well-positioned for growth.
Implications for the Recruitment Industry

To stay competitive, recruiters in Amsterdam and the Netherlands must:

  • Embrace tech-enabled processes, but keep human empathy at the centre.
  • Focus on skills-first hiring rather than traditional credentials.
  • Become consultative partners, advising clients on market dynamics, branding, and regulatory compliance.
  • Double down on candidate nurturing, especially in a market where high-quality talent has abundant options.
Conclusion

2025 is a pivotal moment for the Dutch recruitment market. Agencies and talent teams that adopt a forward-thinking, data-informed, and human-centric approach will thrive. The future belongs to those who can balance innovation with inclusion, speed with substance, and automation with authenticity.

To discuss a move in recruitment in the local market, contact Louise Reid in Amsterdam today or connect with her on LinkedIn.

Follow us

🎉 Happy Birthday to our amazing colleague and friend Gemma Hill! 🎉

Gem, enjoy a well-earned break, some time off to celebrate - you deserve it! 

You’re not just one of the most talented recruiters we’ve ever worked with (and we really mean that), but also one of the kindest, most caring and downright hilarious people to be around. A total workhorse when you’re in the zone, but always with people at the heart of everything you do - colleagues, clients, and candidates alike 💜

We’re so lucky to have you as a teammate and a friend. Have the best birthday! 🥂🎂🎉

#HappyBirthdayGemma #RecruiterGoals #Rec2Rec #Recruitment #recruitmentagency #recruiterlife #birthday #TeamGem 🎈
15 0
Introducing the recruitment guru’s that make up our talented Rec2Rec team here at Permanent People 👋

From the left we have our superstar red head Beth Long, the kindest soul and most meticulous recruiter. Beth manages our North England region and offers attentive and personalised support, making a huge impact on recruiters she works with 🐝⭐

Next we have our Amsterdam based Louise Reid, bringing energy, positivity and creative insights. Louise heads up our EU recruitment and has built an excellent reputation within the market, becoming the go to for expats and local recruiters 🌍🥳

Then the man himself, Paul Reid MIRP, our Founder and our Gandalf of recruitment. He’s the fountain of knowledge when it comes to local insights in London & International markets. Paul’s honest, adaptable and approachable style is why he’s thrived in over 20 years in recruitment 🧙🏻‍♂️🥇

Last but most definitely not least Gemma Hill Cert RP. Passion oozes from Gemma and you can’t help but be uplifted after speaking with her. Gemma’s impeccable track record, hilarious anecdotes and 5 star service is why she has become THE person to speak with in South Wales & West of England 🦄✨

You can reach out to any of our team for local tips to help you find the best recruitment role for you 🙌

#permpeople #rec2rec #meettheteam #recruitment #recruiters #recruiterlife #workfamily
14 2
Starting the week off with some fully remote, WFH recruitment options in the UK 🏠 

If you’re an experienced, 360 Recruiter, get in touch with the PP Team today to discuss in more detail!

#rec2rec #recruitment #recruitmentagency #recruiterlife #recruitmentconsultant #WFH #remoteworking #UK
8 0
🎄✨ Merry Christmas from Permanent People! 🎄✨

As the festive season is upon us, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to all our amazing clients and candidates 🌟

Thank you for trusting us with your journeys this year – whether it was finding the perfect role or the ideal addition to your team, we’ve been honoured to be part of your success.

Your support means the world to us, and we’re excited to continue building incredible futures together in 2025.

From all the team here at Permanent People Rec2Rec , we wish you a joyful Christmas filled with love, laughter, and happiness 🎁🎅

🎉 Here’s to a bright and prosperous New Year! 🎉

#MerryChristmas #HappyNewYear #ThankYou #Rec2Rec #Recruitment #recruitmentagency #Christmas #recruiterlife #recruitmentconsultant
13 0
🎉 We’ve hit 30,000 followers! 🎉

A huge thank you to everyone who’s been part of our journey so far. Your support, engagement, and trust mean the world to us. 🥰

This milestone is not just a number; it’s a reflection of the incredible connections we’ve built with candidates, clients, and industry professionals over the last 11 years. Here’s to continuing to grow, innovate, and make a positive impact together!

⭐Permanent People Rec2Rec ⭐

Thank you for being with us every step of the way 💼💪
#Recruitment #Milestone #ThankYou #30KFollowers #LinkedIn #rec2recagency #recruitmentagency #linkedinfollowers #local #global #recruiterlife
12 0
Happy Birthday 🥳 to Louise, who runs our Amsterdam office!

Hope you have a great day celebrating 🎉 

#Rec2Rec #recruitmentagency #Amsterdam #Birthday #Cake
10 0
Today marks Permanent People's 11th year in business, a milestone we're very proud of.

Since we opened our doors back in 2013, we've been through lots of ups and downs, learned a lot and developed some great relationships throughout the recruitment industry.

We now operate across the globe, and have helped lots of recruiters find their new roles over the years. Some are now clients, others have relocated to a new country and we've also seen people get married and grow their families, which has been great to see!

The way we've always wanted Permanent People to be, is to take things personally and care about the people we work with, and we're extra proud that this still runs through our DNA today. 

If we treat people as we would want to be treated, give great service and actually, genuinely care about what we do - then I believe this is what has set us apart over the years.

Personally and professionally, this year has been a tough one, so we're really glad to have a great team in place that have been able to support each other and get on with things!

A company is only as good as the people that work within it, so on that basis, with Gemma Hill, Beth Long and Louise Reid in place, we are a world class business, and I'm very lucky to work with all 3 of them.

Here's to the next 11 years!!

#Rec2Rec #Recruitment #recruitmentagency #recruitmentbirthday #11years #recruiterlife #instarecruitment
14 0
Wishing our very own Gemma Hill, a very, very Happy Birthday 🎈today!!

Hope you have the best day @loveshoes1981 

#Rec2Rec #Birthday #RecuiterLife #recruitmentagency #celebrate
14 0